UTH and plastic container? Help please ...

[ballpnoob]

Hello, I'm new to ball pythons and snakes in general.

I got a 2 month old bp a few days ago and have him in a 20 gal terrarium like the guy at the store recommended. However, after doing some research I found plastic containers (sterilite, rubbermaid) are better. I have an Exo-terra UTH, and an IR bulb.

So today I went to Wallmart and got a 16-5/8"x12-7/8"x8-3/4" (42cmx33cmx22cm) Sterilite Ultra storage container. However, I'm a bit concerned about the type of heating I would need, since UTH is not recommended for plastic surfaces.



How do you place your tank heater without putting it straight on the plastic surface??? It only attaches to glass (both Exoterra and Zoomed brands).

Ive seen a lot of ppl use Flexwatt but they require expensive rheostats. Is there any other more affordable option???? (like Zoomed's rheostat).

[RockSolid]

First of all, I don't think that particular container you have will work. There are gaps that will allow your BP to escape. As for the rheostat, I have seen people use a credenza dimmer to run the flexwatt. I'll post a link as soon as I can find one. For an enclosure try the strerilites with lids. Here's a photo of what I use.

It's a 41 qt sterilite, but that will probably be too big for your BP. Try a 32 qt.

[RockSolid]

Click here for the dimmer I was talking about. Hopefully someone who uses this will help you with it. I use a Helix t-stat. They're pricey, but then again I want something that was going to be reliable in the long run, since I expect to have my BP for a long time.

[BALLISTIC BOAS]

First of all, I don't think that particular container you have will work. There are gaps that will allow your BP to escape. As for the rheostat, I have seen people use a credenza dimmer to run the flexwatt. I'll post a link as soon as I can find one. For an enclosure try the strerilites with lids. Here's a photo of what I use..

i tried to use the same thing when i was new to bp's but i found out the hard way that those dont work. i tried filling the gap with silacone and it didnt stick. just not worth the trouble.

[BALLISTIC BOAS]

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...tat-150-watts/

here is a good cheap rheostat

[ballpnoob]

First of all, I don't think that particular container you have will work. There are gaps that will allow your BP to escape. As for the rheostat, I have seen people use a credenza dimmer to run the flexwatt. I'll post a link as soon as I can find one. For an enclosure try the strerilites with lids. Here's a photo of what I use.

It's a 41 qt sterilite, but that will probably be too big for your BP. Try a 32 qt.

I've examined a lot of containers and this particular one in detail. It looks perfect. The surface of the container is perfectly flat, with no crevices making it easier to clean. The top seals perfectly! There is no way the snake can pry its way out of it. It also looks quite safe for the snake .. no edges.

I'm worried about the plastic warping with heat.

[RockSolid]

It's not that it will pry out, but that it will get between the edge of the plastic insert and the outer housing. There have been similar threads on that type of container and they were not recommended, but hey it's your choice, good luck with using it. I personally wouldn't use it.

As far as the UTH melting the plastic, that won't happen if you use a good thermostat to regulate the temperatures. See the BP caresheet for the correct temps.

[sweety314]

I've got Ecto-Therms, Flexwatt and the brand made in Scotland (? ) all on plastic tubs. Some are taped and some are using the adhesive of the UTH (or both). I've got 3 on dimmers--which work, but need manual adjusting when the days are still 65dF and the nights are low 40's. When our days/nights stabilize, I haven't had to change the dimmer as often. The others are w/the Johnsons t-stats.


Put little feet on the tubs in order to get them off the surface of your table/shelf and use some sort of heat control. You won't have any problems with the UTH on plastic.

For a baby ball, a 31 qt. would be more than a good sized container. Just make sure he's got two identical, VERY snug hides, a water bowl and the right temp gradient (82-84 cool, 92-94 hot).

Welcome to the hobby!




RuLyn

[ballpnoob]

I might seal the corners with polyurethane spray foam ... would this be harmful to the snake? Or should I try another type of sealer???

[tmlowe5704]

I might seal the corners with polyurethane spray foam ... would this be harmful to the snake? Or should I try another type of sealer???

Are you sticking with the little cube looking tub that you showed first? A rectangular one such as the ones listed will be much easier to work with.